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Offered languages
- English
Step into the past and experience life in rural Japan as you hike the Nakasendo trail from Tsumago-juku to Magome-juku on this small group tour with round-trip transportation from Nagoya or Nakatsugawa.
Your experienced guide will lead you through the historic post town of Tsumago, along the 8 km Nakasendo trail, past waterfalls and wildlife, and into the stunning post town of Magome. Shop for handmade crafts and sample local fare. This tour will reward those who like to take the road less traveled and enjoy an adventurous experience into the heartland of Japan.
**A non-hiking option of this tour is available for individuals who are not able to hike or prefer a more leisurely pace. Please contact us for more information about joining this tour as a non-hiker.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Itinerary
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1
After a quick stop at a roadside rest stop to stretch our legs, we will arrive at Tsumago-juku post town. Here your guide will explain the history and significance of the area and the Nakasendo trail before setting off on our hike.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
We will then set off on our hike down the Nakasendo trail—one of five ancient roads connecting the de facto capital of Edo (Tokyo) with other regions in Japan. The trail was most prominent during the Edo era. Today, most of the original Nakasendo has been lost to time or converted into modern highways and railway lines. However, the section of the trail we will hike remains relatively unchanged from the time of the samurai. You will even see segments of the trail with original cobblestone. The hike will also take you by two waterfalls—the perfect place to catch your breath, feel the cool mist on your face, and stop for lunch. Recharged, we will continue our hike past a lone teahouse run by a local volunteer. You’re welcome to stop here for a sip of tea or exchange stories with other travelers.
3 hours • Admission ticket free -
3
At the end of the trek, you will arrive at the beautiful post town of Magome. Situated on a slope, this town offers stunning views of the surrounding mountain scenery and features a main street lined with traditional wooden buildings. Even better, there are waterways on either side of the street, and the fast-running water powers multiple waterwheels. The post town features many shops, selling popular local crafts and snacks such as oyaki dumplings, gohei-mochi rice cakes, and ice cream. We recommend looking for some of the wood crafts made from local trees, many of which are extremely fragrant and, just as importantly, small and easy to carry back home. Of course, your guide will be available to help you take photos that will make your friends and family envious.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- As lunch options are limited, please purchase a bento box or other food items before the tour starts, and bring them with you. Time will be allotted to eat while on the trail.
- The remaining time will be allocated for the transport
- Non-Hiking Tour Option: After the tour of Tsumago-juku, your guide will continue on the trail with those who have selected to hike the trail. Non-hikers will be given an hour of free time in Tsumago to enjoy the shops, take pictures, and explore at their own pace. You will then meet back up with your driver to continue on to Magome-juku. At Magome, you will have time to enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant, sample regional specialties, or shop for handcrafted souvenirs at your own pace before meeting up with your guide and the hikers at 16:30 for your return trip to Nagoya.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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